At my age you would think a person would know what they wanna be when they grow up. Nope. There are a few ideas in my head, but no certainties. When my boys were growing up we were always reading and going on field trips and exploring new places. Our hopes were that this process would give them the desire to always be open to new adventures, lands, and people. It worked well with them, and I’d like to think I am finally taking a bit of my own advice.
A few months ago I approached a nursing home about volunteering a day or so a week. A new friend that I met around Christmastime at J.C. Penny’s said that she would like to go as well. So Paula and Marsha teamed up with a terrific director at the home….and we started knocking on doors, not knowing exactly how we’d be received on the other side.
Bernice. No, not her real name, but there are privacy issues, and I like that name. I knocked on her door and heard a, Come In. There sat a very classy lady with a stylish short haircut and adorable glasses, she was reading. I told her who I was, using my normal voice….but was interrupted. You’ll have to speak up if you want to talk to me. I can’t hear well. I dug deeper and found my mother voice, and tried again. Bernice then invited me to sit down and the next 45 minutes seemed like only 10. It was time for lunch and I walked with her to the dining hall. She asked if I would come again. I did just that.
Bernice is now a dear friend. She calls me on the phone to check in and I do the same with her. Our weekly visits have turned into 2 or 3 times a week. It’s hard with so many sweet people in one place, I don’t want to show favoritism….but I think I do. We celebrated our birthdays together a couple of months back. She turned ninety and I turned a little less than that. smile She claims she hates surprises, but I have discovered she LOVES surprises.
One of my neighbor’s gave me a wheel chair this week. Hubby helped me delivery it to Bernice. The look on her face when she discovered it was just for her use? Priceless. We wheeled all over that place for the next twenty minutes. Then it was time for the ice cream social. Everything must stop for ice cream.
I am being enlightened about “the system”, elders, their fears and frustrations, limitations, and simply put, living. I am seeing more and more that there are lonely people at every turn, and that everyone is looking for a friend. A real friend.
Bernice tells me she really doesn’t like old people very much. Haha. She is keeping me young….and laughing.
I’m just guessing there’s a Bernice close to you that could use a friend.
Be nice to people. Back soon ♥
stuff i tell my sister 
Ah Paula, bless your heart and a hug and squeeze for Bernice! ❤
Diana xo
Thanks Diana. Well I gave her that hug this afternoon! Then we wheeled on down to dinner. 🙂 She is a gem ♥
So are you Paula. I guess it takes one to know one. 😀
I love this, I love you, and I think I’d love Bernice (also a favorite name of mine…as well as a favorite aunt)…bless you and anyone who feels the light of your heart Paula. You truly are…one of the Good Guys….xoxo
Oh how you would love her, Rhonda! And so many of my new friends there. Hugs, girl….♥
Good for you, Paula. Lucky “Bernice.”
Lucky me! 🙂
This posting put a smile on my face!
I’m so glad. Happy day!
When I was a kid, one of my favorite people at church was Bernice Quiqqle:) How’s that for a name? Anyway, she always smiled and I thought that was neat for an “older” person (little did I know she wasn’t old until much later!). You are so blessed to have found your Bernice (or ?) and she is blessed to have you for a new friend!! Enjoy every minute together!!
I love that name!!! Yes…my “Bernice” is something else. So special ♥
You are inspirational .. and I think you have found exactly what you want to do…
Hmmmm….maybe you have been talking to my hubby? That’s what he says, too. 🙂 Have a happy! ♥
Oh, I posted a story of how I was an activities director on July. I included my personal feelings and I suggested people try volunteering. I am smiling so big about your special friend. I had some people who lived in my heart like Bernice does for you. 🙂
Even though this may not make sense to sat this, thank you for caring about Bernice!
It makes perfect sense! Thank you for doing what you do. You make such a difference. Yes to volunteering! ♥
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